| Basic Information |
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| Description |
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Vaginitis means infection or inflammation of the vagina. Nonspecific
vaginitis (bacterial vaginosis) implies that any of several infecting
germs, including Gardnerella, Escherichia coli, Mycoplasma, streptococci
, staphylococci, have caused the infection. These infections are
contagious. Vaginitis can affect all ages, but most often occurs
during reproductive years.
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| Frequent Signs and Symptoms |
Severity of the following symptoms varies among women and from time to
time in the same woman.
- Vaginal discharge that has an unpleasant odor.
- Genital swelling, burning and itching.
- Vaginal discomfort.
- Change in vaginal color from pale pink to red.
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse.
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| Causes |
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The germs normally present in the vagina can multiply and cause
infection when the pH and hormone balance of the vagina and
surrounding tissue are disturbed.
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E. coli bacteria normally inhabit the rectum and can cause
infection if spread to the vagina. The following conditions increase
the likelihood of infections:
- General poor health.
- Hot weather, nonventilating clothing, especially under-wear
or any other condition that increases genital moisture, warmth
and darkness. These foster the growth of germs.
- Poor hygiene (sometimes).
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| Risk Increases With |
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Menopause.
- Illness that has lowered resistance.
- HIV infection.
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| Preventive Measures |
- Keep the genital area clean. Use plain unscented soap. Be sure
sexual partner is clean.
- Take showers rather than tub baths.
- Wear cotton underpants or pantyhose with a cotton crotch.
- Don't sit around in wet clothing, especially a wet bathing suit.
- After urination or bowel movements, cleanse by wiping or
washing from front to back (vagina to anus).
- Lose weight if you are obese.
- Avoid vaginal douches, deodorants and bubble baths.
- If you have diabetes, adhere strictly to your treatment
program.
- Change tampons or pads frequently.
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| Expected Outcome |
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Usually curable in 2 weeks with treatment.
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| Possible Complications |
- Discomfort and decreased pleasure with sexual activity.
- May indicate an underlying disorder, such as diabetes
mellitus.
- Nonspecific vaginitis has been associated with preterm
birth. The disorder should be carefully evaluated and treated
when it occurs in pregnancy.
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| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
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| General Measures |
- Diagnostic tests may include laboratory studies of vaginal
discharge, Pap smear and pelvic examination.
- Drug therapy will be directed to the specific organism.
Your sexual partner may need treatment also. It is best not to do
self-treatment for the disorder until the specific cause is
determined.
- Don't douche unless prescribed for you.
- If urinating causes burning, urinate through a tubular device,
such as a toilet-paper roll or plastic cup with the bottom cut out
or pour a cup of warm water over the genital area while you urinate.
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| Medication |
- Antibiotics or antifungals to treat the infection. Metronidazole
(Flagyl) is often used for treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
- Soothing vaginal creams or lotions for nonspecific forms of
vaginitis may be recommended.
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| Activity |
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Avoid overexertion, heat and excessive sweating. Delay sexual relations
until after treatment.
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| Diet |
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No special diet.
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| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
- You or a family member has symptoms of vaginitis.
- Symptoms persist longer than 1 week or worsen, despite treatment.
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or swelling develops.
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